Moving on?

Blulu

I cannot be the only one here who is thinking through their comping options. I'm considering three things: 1) Giving up comping completely. 2) Sticking with MSE and hoping that at some point they'll sort at least the major probs out for us. 3) Finding another comping platform to work from.

1) Giving up

I did try this before and I missed comping loads. But I might well try again, as it's taking up soooo much time, and I'm winning nothing. Possibly because I've cut down drastically on how many I'm entering.

2) Sticking with MSE

If only they would respond to our concerns, even if just to say they can't do anything yet because of the lockdown, but that they will do what they can for us as soon as they can. I feel a sense of loyalty to MSE, but that will only stretch so far before it snaps.

3) Moving on

This is my main reason for starting this thread  Assuming others are also considering their options, should we pull our resources and discuss openly what we like/don't like about the various comping platforms? Perhaps folk might share their views, experiences and opinions about other comping platforms? Including about the possibility of setting up a new comping forum as posted about recently - see https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6153306

Important Request: pretty please can we make sure and speak kindly to each other here? I've noticed lately an increase in narky comments on the board. When this happens not only does the poster come across as being arrogant, but also, we never know what others are going through, and especially given the way things are at the moment. So, by all means say whatever you like, including any criticism, but pleeeeease, try to say it 'nicely'.

Thanks

Blu XXX

mumto2boys

I totally agree with all of this.  I suggested a new forum which didn't get much feedback, so now making a conscious effort to post more, but having posted 3 times in 240 seconds earlier on, I earned myself a 600 second ban from posting.  Doesn't encourage me to keep posting!  I think, if everyone tried to post more, it could pick up.   I don't think they will ever fix it, reading through site feedback, there are problems throughout the forum that aren't being addressed, so I personally don't think they are bothered and are just hoping we put up and shut up eventually.  I've had a private message from someone who creates forums and thinks they could work with us, but no point in me exploring that further if no one would be prepared to move.   

Blulu

mumto, that sounds brill. I would defo be prepared to move, but as you say, we'd need to make sure enough others would use it, to make it work. I know it's a long shot, but what I'd really love is to find or build a platform that most of our long-term MSE friends would use. Whether that is starting something new, or all of us migrating to an established forum. Would be fab to see the same old names, with the same old spirit. Thanks, as always, for sharing your thoughts. They're always welcome.

Blu XXX

bluesooz

I disregard lots of comps which keeps those I enter to a manageable level. This obviously includes prizes I'm not interested in,  but also most DVDs and books, and all mummy blog type comps even if the prize is good (just cant be bothered with the multilevel RC/Gleams and just doesn't feel right entering when i have no interest in the blog).  I still get a few wins every month.

MSE works for me, but that is because I have always kept up to date here - so only have to work my way through comps posted since I last looked.  Most of the magazine answers are posted here too, which is an added bonus.  However, I have used competition database for quite a while now as they have always had additional comps that were not on here and I like that you can totally ignore a company if desired (I have all the mummy blogs on my ignore list, so i never see them).  Since the change here, and losing many of the regular posters I have tried Loquax and find that easy to navigate using the ending soon link.  The entered/ignored button is good and once pressed the comps disappear from view, on refresh, so makes it easier when returning to the page as you only see the new comps  (A lot of mag answers are posted here too)

Both CD and Loquax I end up end date comping as that seems easier on their layout.

Blulu

Thank you loads bluesooz. That is exactly the sort of info I was hoping for. I struggled with Loquax, but perhaps I might try again, and I have never even looked at competition database, but I defo will.

Others are welcome to ask any questions about any comping sites here if they want to. I'm sure that kind souls, like the above two will answer if they can.

Blu XXX

Annak789

Hi everyone 
I’ve only been using the MSE forum for just over a year but I do love the atmosphere on here.
it would be a big shame for all the main compers to move on 🙁 
let’s hope they’ll fix the issues with the site 🤞keep posting guys , we really appreciate the hard work you out into it 
love to all 
be kind and stay safe ❤️❤️❤️

thingamaBob

@Blulu Regarding your Item 2:-
A forum update was posted on 4th March here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6111035/forum-update-march/p1
MSETine's initial post set out where snagging problems were at at that time but quickly after that we were beset by the virus.
On 19th March MSETine posted in your thread  https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6113625/call-me-paranoid-if-you-like-but/p1 and said:-

MSE_Tine said:

Hi all, 
Can I firstly clarify that there is absolutely no conspiracy to get rid of the Compers. We are aware that not everything is working as we would have liked after the migration, but we have already explained that we are working on this and it's a priority. 
Unfortunately the global pandemic that has been picking up pace over the last few weeks has severely impacted our schedules both for us and our supplier. MSE are currently working flat out trying to provide help and support for millions of people and users across the UK, some things, including the Compers functionality, is still being worked on even now, but there are people in desperate need who we are collating answers and information to as our foremost priority. Whilst the disruption to the comping is unfortunate it simply can't be helped. It is not a small piece of work, but a bespoke functionality which is proving very complex and requires senior developers.

On a personal note: The entire Team is working incredibly hard right now trying to help a lot of very desperate people and working long hours (as well as covering for colleagues who are ill), seeing conspiracy theories like this is honestly crushing and disheartening. 
I appreciate that things aren't perfect, but we have always been honest with you and there has never been any consideration that Compers would close or be de-prioritised (actually quite the opposite) and whilst timelines and plans have had to change during these unprecedented times I really want to ask you to support myself and the whole MSE Team, if something doesn't get fixed as fast as we want or intended, there will have been a reason for it beyond our control.

We're not perfect, I'm not perfect, but we are genuinely doing our best despite everything that is going on right now. Please stand with us. 

Thank you 

MSE Tine

So they have responded as far as they can and nothing has changed since then.
Sorting out the problems is not as quick and easy as some uninformed people seem to think and it is all on hold until the Covid19 workload slows down and MSE can resume normal operations with their small team.

Marg2k8

I'm considering my options too. I've been a member of Loquax for years, but never really got to grips with it, so tips such as entering those ending soonest might be a good way to get my head round it. I suppose I just need the motivation  to get used to it. Is there a dummies guide to Loquax anywhere?

I'm still plodding on here for now.  I enter by newly posted and have found my own way of getting round the problems that MSE have not resolved.  I mainly enter mag daily comps, plus puzzler, take a break and chat magazine etc. I've not won anything since March.  Probably because I'm entering less.  I don't have facebook or instagram and don't do many on twitter now.  I do a few blog comps.  

I would have no objection to moving to a new forum if it worked and would enjoy interacting with the same people if enough people used it.  I'm not very techy, so would not feel comfortable setting it up and I don't know the legal position when it comes to things like GDPR, copyright infringements and other stuff that might arise. 

I wouldn't give up comping completely.  Worst case scenario, I would still enter mag daily comps from my own bookmarks.

Blulu

Thanks thingamaBob. I don't think I saw that post, because if I had, I'm sure I would've ticked thanks and commented. But I admit, I do have memory issues, so I can't be certain. Reading what she said does make me feel a bit better about things here. If they are planning to sort things out for us, then my preferred option would probably be to stick with MSE. And I will wait patiently for them to sort stuff, hopefully making the forum work for us pretty much as it used to. I apologise if I seem to have a bee in my bonnet over this - it's true, I do.

Blu XXX

pate-ci0

I'm hanging in here on MSE; saves so much time when posters give the answers, a far higher percentage here than Loquax etc. I do use Loquax for Closing Today/End Date functionality, which is the real problem I have with the current MSE site along with the lack of ticking Entered/Skipped from the main listing, and use the MSE search (much improved) to check if I've already entered any comps (the Social Media/Rafflecopter etc ones tell you anyway). Got to say that there are not a lot on Loquax which do not appear on MSE, though there are a few I would have missed.
Thanks thingamaBob for the info, I do believe that MSE will address the Comping section problems eventually. Just hope enough folk stick around till then. I probably would not migrate to a new forum unless it proved to be where everyone else goes and has full functionality in an easy interface.

mumto2boys

Just to clarify, I'm not wanting to set up a new forum, or necessarily move to one, I like it here! I've tried other sites but keep coming back here, i'm just frustrated with things not working properly so trying to find solutions.  I'm going to stay here and keep posting where I can,  and hope things improve.  If everyone made an effort, even to post a couple of comps a day, it would make a big difference.